Sulphur analyis in lubrication oil by high-resolution ICP-OES

The analysis of lubricating oils by ICP-OES involves the detection of trace additives (B, Cu, Co, Mo, P, S) and additonal components including Ba, Mg, Ca and Zn (ASTM 4951-09). For sulphur analysis of many petrochemical products by ICP-OES unspecific spectral contributions from the organic matrix often add to the spectral complexity so, often, x-ray techniques are used. However, this application note shows that the unique high-resolution and sensitivity of the the PQ 9000 Elite ICP-OES can prove particlularly beneficial.